In The News

Undue Fears of China Inc?

Paul Mooney September 29, 2005
Nearly two decades after fears of a Japanese industrial takeover reached fever pitch in the United States, expansionist moves by Chinese corporations have triggered alarms around the world. Last summer, when Chinese companies CNOOC and Haier attempted to buy Unocal and Maytag, respectively, American critics imagined the sinister hand of the Chinese state wrenching control of US assets and markets...

Is Brand America in Trouble?

Paul Maidment September 26, 2005
While US brands like Marlboro and Disney remain popular all over the world, the popularity of America itself is diminishing, stoked by grievances that far surpass the war in Iraq. Echoing pop star Bono's impression of "a brick through the storefront of Brand America," reporter Paul Maidment argues that there is a new, more active tone of counter-Americanism, and that it is "...

India's Mini-Multinationals Make Waves in Western Markets

Anand Giridharadas September 2, 2005
As India gains economic strength, its entrepreneurs are acquiring increasing numbers of overseas companies. In the first eight months this year, Indian companies paid US$1.7 billion for 62 foreign businesses, including a German metal forge, a South Korean truck maker, and a British tea company. The Indian as global owner marks a clear reversal for a country with vivid memories of its own...

Enduring an IT Eclipse

A. Sheshabalaya August 30, 2005
In recent years, Bangalore has outpaced Silicon Valley in the global innovation race. This is not a temporary blip, writes author Ashutosh Sheshabalaya, but a fast-evolving reality to which the American IT industry must adapt for the long haul. While offshoring is hardly a new phenomenon, it was previously restricted to back-office support functions. This is no longer the case: IBM and Hewlett...

Beijing Clamps Down on Foreign Television

Chris Buckley August 4, 2005
The Chinese government recently announced that it would deny approval for more foreign satellite broadcasters entering the Chinese market, as well as increase restrictions on already existing foreign media. Certain US entertainment companies will still have the right to broadcast to certain Chinese audiences, and to foreigners in hotels and similar multi-cultural spaces. The initiative, however...

Chinese Company Ends Unocal Bid, Citing Political Hurdles

David Barboza August 2, 2005
The China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has withdrawn its takeover bid for America's Unocal, discouraged by political opposition that complicated the deal. CNOOC's offer was the largest takeover bid ever attempted by a Chinese company, and considerably larger than Chevron's competing bid, but it faced strident opposition in Washington. Set on the backdrop of a rapidly...

Global Revolution

Arindam Bhattacharya July 19, 2005
According to Boston Consulting Group leaders Arindam Bhattacharya and Arun Maira, the so-called "third wave" of globalization is giving unprecedented opportunity to emerging markets to reshape the global economy in their own image. Whereas the first and second phases of globalization cemented the dominance of the "triad" of North America, Europe, and Japan, the third step is...